A judicial proceeding where evidence is received, deliberated upon, and a final verdict is rendered on the matter
Trials are formal hearings in which civil and criminal matters are adjudicated. In a civil trial, a defendant is determined whether they are liable for the plaintiff’s damages. In a criminal trial, the innocence or guilt of a person is adjudicated.
To ensure fairness and safeguard against unfair prejudice, all evidentiary issues are independently ruled on by a judge who presides over the trial.
In jury trials, a jury will decide all questions of fact, and the judge will decide all questions of law and procedure.
In court cases where the parties have not requested a jury, the judge will serve both roles: the finder of fact and of the law.
